VW Vehicle Identification

More About Volkswagen Vehicle Identification

The longevity of production with few fundamental changes paired with the interchangeability of air-cooled VW parts can make identifying your classic Volkswagen a challenge. The only sure-fire way to identify your VW is by checking the VIN.

The Vehicle Identification Numbers are the numbers that correctly identify your vintage Volkswagen. VIN numbers can help you to identify the original parts that came stock in your VW and ensure that you order the correct parts for your vehicle. In some cases where vehicles had split production years VIN's are crucial to ordering the correct fit part. Below are images of vehicle identification number badges on a 1969 VW Beetle.

The onset of mass vehicle production in the mid-1950s led to the inception of vehicle identification numbers. Automobile manufacturers began stamping the vehicles and their parts with unique VINs in order to give an accurate description of the mass produced vehicle.

For Classic Volkswagens, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is particularly important. The chassis number on the car is the only sure-fire way to identify the origin of a VW. Because so many classic VW parts are interchangeable, the vehicles appearance and/or parts are not always telling of the vehicles origin.

Why is it important to identify the origin of your VW?

Your VW's identification number gives you the most accurate information about your vehicle. The VIN on your classic Volkswagen is critical to identifying the stock parts that were used in your vehicle the year it was built. There are many parts that rely on the VIN number for proper fitment including many suspension & steering parts, electrical parts, and cables.

All Volkswagens were built according to a calendar year prior to 1955. On August 1, 1955, "a model year" was established. In some instances, many exterior changes and inside improvements were made during a particular year's production. The older the VW, the more difficult it is to spot the changes.

Before VIN numbers were standardized, VW used a combination of the Chassis Number and the Engine Code to convey information about the vehicles. A standard format for vehicle identification didn't come about until the late 1970s.

The VIN can be found in several locations, most commonly under the rear seat, on the door frame/post of the front doors, or on the dashboard near the windshield. Additionally, for the VW Bus, the VIN may be located on the car's firewall. The engine code may be found on the machine pad on front of the engine. These numbers are far more reliable than the information provided on the vehicle's title, registration or any other documents.

This video was made in house at JBugs and offer advice on purchasing an air-cooled VW restoration project car. The video also contains information about how and where to find the your VW Beetle's Identification Number.